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Charts & Images

Whitecliff Bay Anchorage

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Courtesy Flag

Flag, Red Ensign

Waypoint

Safe Offing 50:40'.215 N 001:04'.997 W

Charts

Admiralty 2022, 2045, SC5600

Rules & Regulations

Unknown

Hazards

Swimmers off the Beach

Tidal Data Times & Range

HW Starts +0014 Dover, with a long stand. MHWS 3.1m MHWN 2.3m MLWN 0.5m MLWS 0.2m

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General Description

Whitecliff Bay is a popular fairweather anchorage not far at all from Bembridge. It offers shelter from the West through to North West. If approaching the Solent from the East in darkness and looking for somewhere to stop till daylight this could be useful.

Quite apart from that it has a lovely sandy beach and a surprising number of facilities ashore. In fact you might find it easier to obtain provisions here than in Bembridge harbour itself. It is easy to find and enter even in the dark, but due attention must be paid to Bembridge Ledges nearby.... these are a real trap for the unwary. ... read more

Approach

For the yachtsman or motorboater the approach from the South and East are straightforward enough. From the South identify the chalky Culver Cliff's with the conspicuous monument. The town of Sandown will be seen lying to the West. Once Culver Cliff is identified it is simply a matter of heading into Whitecliff Bay paying attention to the drying ledges extending eastwards from the steep to cliffs.

Keeping a good offing and then making for the waypoint given on the chart when it bears due north will work in darkness.

Approaching the Solent from the East there will be the shipping in the Nab Channel to contend with, as well as a strong tidal set that could be sweeping you towards the Solent or South West. Having passed the very conspicuous Nab Tower, continue heading east and pick up the West Cardinal buoy (YBY) West Princessa, (Q.(9).15s), or aim for the given waypoint. It is essential you do not allow yourself to be swept northwards towards the dangers of Bembridge Ledges, and that you positively identify the above-mentioned Cardinal buoy.
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Berthing, Mooring & Anchoring

Simply nose your way into the middle of the sandy bay and anchor to suit draft. The chart doesn't look too promising showing extensive shallows, but in practice especially at neaps it is possible to get fairly close in. The holding ground seems reasonable.... I have anchored here many times and never dragged. In certain conditions a horrible roll can set in the anchorage, and in other conditions landing on the beach in the dinghy can be wet. This is not the norm however and if you pick your conditions a pleasant day or two could be spent here, with no anchoring charges and a beach for the kids.

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